Can a small spare tire carrier be installed on the Prado after purchase?
2 Answers
The Prado can be equipped with a small spare tire carrier, also known as a rear-mounted spare tire, but it is not recommended as it may cause rattling noises over time. The regulations and precautions for vehicle modifications are as follows: Vehicle modification regulations: The Prado can be modified with a rear-mounted spare tire, but after the modification, the vehicle's appearance will change, requiring the owner to apply for a modification registration at the vehicle management office. According to Article 10 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," registered motor vehicles must apply for modification registration under the following circumstances: changes to the vehicle's color; replacement of the engine; replacement of the body or frame; replacement of the entire vehicle due to quality issues; change of use from commercial to non-commercial or vice versa; or when the owner's residence moves in or out of the jurisdiction of the vehicle management office. Precautions for vehicle modifications: The vehicle owner must apply for modification registration within ten days after the modification. Before applying for the modification, the owner must resolve any traffic violations or accidents related to the vehicle.
To be honest, as a Prado owner, I installed the spare tire carrier (commonly called "small backpack") myself last year. It's actually quite simple—you can buy complete mounting brackets and spare tire covers on Taobao, just choose the model that fits the Prado's rear door. The cost ranges between 1,500 to 3,000 RMB, depending on whether you pick aluminum alloy or stainless steel. During installation, you need to remove the rear door trim panel, reinforce the door frame, and then tighten the screws. I spent a weekend following tutorial videos step by step, and after mounting the spare tire, off-roading became incredibly convenient. However, it's important to confirm the door hinge's load-bearing capacity—the Prado's original design can handle it, but after installation, I recommend regularly checking for loose screws. Adding an anti-theft lock is also a good idea to prevent spare tire theft when parked on the street. Overall, the practicality improves significantly, making it easy to store tools or carry replacement tires.
